Andres and Puerto Rico's Equestrian Dream

My name is Andrés Espinet, and my dream is to represent my native Puerto Rico at the highest levels of the equestrian sport. I’m a passionate rider, a lover of horses, and a committed trainer with a small business that I built from scratch, starting in a tiny arena in the municipality of Guaynabo. I’ve been on the back of a horse almost daily since I was six years old, and I was the youngest rider ever to represent Puerto Rico in the Central American and Caribbean Games. I was selected as part of the National Puerto Rico Equestrian Team for four consecutive years, and I’ve represented Puerto Rico in Venezuela, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. This year, I’m part of the Puerto Rican national showjumping team.

When I was 21, I started my own riding school with the hope of inspiring kids the way my own teachers inspired me. Since then, I’ve grown from just three students to a full-fledged riding academy, and a number of my school horses are former racing Thoroughbreds that I rescued before they were euthanized.

I’ve always worked for what I have. I’ve paid my own way. And I’ve been fortunate enough to become one of only a handful of people in the world with the potential to represent Puerto Rico as an Olympic rider. But the path to this level of the sport is steep, and it comes at a high cost. My island is a part of the United States, but it is a commonwealth with its own flag and its own Olympic team—and it is an island that has struggled. In just the past five years, we’ve faced two debilitating hurricanes—the second of which, Hurricane María, left many people without power for months. Even now, our island faces unique challenges.

I’ve put everything I have into furthering my goals, including borrowing money to buy my horse, a friend and partner who has the ability to compete at the highest levels.

But this is only the beginning of my Olympic journey.

Because of the new regulations set by the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale), I’m required to fly my horse to the United States to compete in specific shows in different states. This is in order to gain points to meet the minimum requirements that will enable Puerto Rico to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2023.

This process is the gateway to the Olympics. Simply to enter these shows is very expensive, and the cost of entry does not include the price of horse transportation, flights, and lodging, among other expenses. If I’m not able to pay these costs, it will be impossible for me to help Puerto Rico qualify for the Games, which in turn will mean that Puerto Rico will not be represented at the next Olympics.

Every day, I work to give back to my community. I teach classes 6 days a week, mentoring young and adult riders while constantly striving to fine-tune my own skills. I’ve spent nights with my horses when their lives were threatened by natural disasters and persevered through the challenges imposed by island-wide lockdowns associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The chance to compete at the highest levels of the sport will not only enable me to bring honor to Puerto Rico. It will also enable me to continue to develop as a coach, to bring home the things I learn for the benefit of my current and future students and to continue to work for the welfare of local horses.

My goal is to raise $27,000. I know it’s a big ask, but I believe that it’s also an investment in the future.

Because my dream is not just my dream. It’s a dream to uplift the equestrian sport on my beloved island. It’s a dream to continue to help inspire and encourage young riders.

I’m working hard to help show that Puerto Rico belongs at the highest levels of the equestrian sport, and I believe I have the confidence, the skills, and the horse to do it. With your help, we can take on the world.